Three Ozark Police Officers Promoted, Including New Deputy Chief

The Ozark Police Department and Chief Justin Arnold announced the promotion of three officers, including one to the position of Deputy Chief of Police.

The three officers are their new positions are:

Lieutenant Derek Hill will be promoted to the rank of Captain and assume the duties of the Deputy Chief of Police, overseeing both the Support Services and Field Services Divisions. Hill has been employed by the Ozark Police Department since 2006, serving as a Patrol Officer, K9 Officer, Field Training Officer, Generalist Instructor, Corporal, Certification Manager, Sergeant and Lieutenant. Hill’s most recent assignment was the Support Services Division Commander. Hill holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice: Homeland Security and Master of Science in Criminal Justice: Public Administration from Liberty University.

Sergeant Jared Drye will be promoted to the rank Lieutenant and assume the duties of the Support Services Division Commander of the Ozark Police Department. Drye has been employed by the Ozark Police Department since 2010, serving as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Firearms Range Master, Corporal, and Sergeant. Drye’s most recent assignment was as the Criminal Investigations Unit Sergeant. Drye holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology: Sociology from Missouri State University and is currently seeking a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice: Sociology from Lincoln University.

Detective Ben Deutscher will be promoted to the rank of Sergeant and assume the duties of a patrol shift supervisor. Deutscher has been employed by the Ozark Police Department since 2011, serving as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Corporal, and a Narcotics Detective. Deutscher’s most recent assignment was as a Task Force Officer for the Drug Enforcement Administration in Springfield, Missouri. Deutscher holds an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice from Eastern Gateway Community College.

“I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of these three fine police officers,” Ozark Police Chief Justin Arnold told OI. “They have dedicated their careers  to providing exceptional policing services to the citizens of Ozark. Their commitment to education, professionalism, and leadership will continue to positively impact the Ozark community for years to come. Congratulations to Sergeant Deutscher, Lieutenant Drye and Deputy Chief Hill!”